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I suddenly developed a series of bumps under both arm pits. They seem to start very deep. It seems like more than a simple skin irritation. I have never had anything like this before. What could this be?
In Reply to: bumps posted by Jennifer on August 24, 1999 at 21:27:15:
It could be contact dermititus (from deoderant or dye in clothing, etc.) but it could also be swollen lymph nodes, indicating a localized or systemic infection or condition. It's advisable to see your MD about this. If it's a warning sign of a serious problem, the sooner the better - I had a 'bump' on my arm that turned out to be liposarcoma, a rare form of fatty layer cancer. Because of quick action on my part and my doctors, I still have my arm. I'm not trying to scare you but please don't delay a visit to the doc. jdf
In Reply to: bumps posted by Jennifer on August 24, 1999 at 21:27:15:
Dear Jennifer,
I am going to stick my neck out here (not very far) and say that you use antiperspirant under arm deodorants.
Talk at me.
Walt
In Reply to: Re: bumps posted by Walt Stoll on August 25, 1999 at 16:23:18:
I use the same deoderant and had no problems before. They are getting worse. Now I can barely raise my arms. They are like giant mesquito bites. Could it be any type of cancer?
In Reply to: Re: bumps posted by Jennifer on August 25, 1999 at 21:32:34:
Jennifer,
You have sidestepped my question about the antiperspirant deodorants.
The way this works is that your system will tolerate this insult only so long (Depending on genetics, longer for some than others.) THEN one will start getting what this likely is.
Talk at me.
Walt
In Reply to: Re: bumps (No more evasions.) posted by Walt Stoll on August 26, 1999 at 12:16:34:
I have been using an antiperspirent deoderant for about 10 years.
In Reply to: Re: bumps (No more evasions.) posted by Jennifer on August 26, 1999 at 22:59:30:
Thanks, Jennifer.
Thought so! Of course, this is not rocket science since it is the only scenario that explains your description.
This is NOT an allergy. It is just that your sweat glands have given up the fight and have refused to open themselves at all. You cannot stop the glands from making sweat but you can (with the antiperspirant) keep them from emptying--
thus the bumps you feel.
Unfortunately stopping the antiperspirant part may not allow the glands to open themselves. It may already be too late. Every day you continue this stuff, you reduce your chances of avoiding extensive surgery and even skin grafts to resolve this.
You MAY be able to save yourself from a future nightmare by immediately starting warm, moist soaks for 20 minutes at a time, several times a day, until the glands begin to believe that you really want them to open back up. If you still have any of them in a couple of weeks, you need to see a dermatologist to have them removed.
NEVER use antiperspirants again. Wouldn't it be nice if they had to put this warning on the lable? Would you have heeded it?
Read the archive I have prepared for you below.
Let us know how you do.
Walt
In Reply to: Re: bumps (No more evasions.) posted by Jennifer on August 26, 1999 at 22:59:30:
Thanks, Jennifer.
Thought so! Of course, this is not rocket science since it is the only scenario that explains your description.
This is NOT an allergy. It is just that your sweat glands have given up the fight and have refused to open themselves at all. You cannot stop the glands from making sweat but you can (with the antiperspirant) keep them from emptying--
thus the bumps you feel.
Unfortunately stopping the antiperspirant part may not allow the glands to open themselves. It may already be too late. Every day you continue this stuff, you reduce your chances of avoiding extensive surgery and even skin grafts to resolve this.
You MAY be able to save yourself from a future nightmare by immediately starting warm, moist soaks for 20 minutes at a time, several times a day, until the glands begin to believe that you really want them to open back up. If you still have any of them in a couple of weeks, you need to see a dermatologist to have them removed.
NEVER use antiperspirants again. Wouldn't it be nice if they had to put this warning on the lable? Would you have heeded it?
Read the archive I have prepared for you below.
Let us know how you do.
Walt
In Reply to: bumps posted by Jennifer on August 24, 1999 at 21:27:15:
Jennifer - listen to Walt!
Walt - Ok I am here a year later after asking you the same thing Jennifer asked! I have since stopped using anti-persperants and deodorants. The bumps still re-occur, but maybe about once a month or so (esp when it is very hot out), but nothing like the first time (that was horrible). I feel that I don't need to use anti-persperants and deodorants anymore. I never realized that I don't really stink - occasionally if I am not watching what I eat I do have an episode where I want grab the stuff and put it on, but I have found that if I just go to the bathroom and wash my underarms that ussually helps. I think I notice the smell before others do, because I am aware that I since I am not using anything I check more often.
Well that is my take on this subject.
Darlene
In Reply to: Re: bumps - Jennifer and Walt posted by Darlene on September 03, 1999 at 10:58:06:
Hi, Darlene.
It sounds like you are well on your way to resolving this.
The problem is that the initial episode frequently damages the openings to some of the ducts enough that some will continue to recur long after the cause is gone.
A very careful surgeon can remove the individual glands that have that much damage. If the surgeon is NOT careful, she can further damage other normal ducts during the surgery and then THOSE glands have problems.
There is no problem with underarm deodorants so long as they are NOT antiperspirant. SOME people become allergic to anything placed under the arm so you have to watch for that. However, that kind of rash is very different from what you experienced last year.
The unconscionable thing is how the TV advertisers sell people on the idea that "sweat stinks" when it only develops an odor after the bacteria on the skin eat the sweat and excrete their waste products. This is how antibacterial bath soaps help prevent body odor.
Congratulations on your progeress. Let us know how you do.
Walt
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